But his citizens hated him.

Luke 19:12-14, 27, He said therefore, “A certain nobleman went to a distant country to receive a kingdom for himself, and then return. And he called ten of his slaves, and gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business with this until I come back.’ But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’”^…“But these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them in my presence.”

We know the parable of the talents, of the faithful and unfaithful slaves. But underneath it all is the rejection and hatred of the citizens, that hated the new ruler. Even in this climate of rejection, the faithful slaves were able to bring forth great fruit for His kingdom. And upon His return there was a price of judgment to be paid. We can take heart, that even when there is opposition, there can be great fruit for His kingdom. And we know that one day, evil that seems now to have free reign, will come under His judgment.

Help us to be faithful in bringing forth the fruit of Your kingdom for the day in which You return in Your glory!